Our Trek Comics editor Patrick Hayes returns with a review of this month’s issue of IDW Publishing’s Star Trek photobook comic series New Visions.
Order New Visions #4
Kirk is startled as he’s surrounded by his puzzled bridge crew. This image would be puzzling for readers as well were it not for the ghostly outline of Harry Mudd around the captain and the title “Made Out of Mudd.”
This infamous villain made a teaser-cameo in the previous issue, now wearing a body that made him resemble Kirk, so I’m happy to see John Byrne focus on this character this time around. I love the faraway look on Jim and the other characters look great in different poses of alarm and disbelief. A nice selection of individuals and emotions to convey what lies within.
Two complete tales in this issue, including a two page teaser for the next installment.
The main story is the 39 page “Made Out of Mudd.” Tau Delta IX, a shuttle comes in for a landing. Its pilot is Captain James T. Kirk. Approached by a lieutenant asking to see his flight clearance, Kirk produces a phaser and stuns the officer. Making his way to the communications center, all the while muttering to himself in uncharacteristic dialogue, Kirk promptly phasers everyone.
He makes a few adjustments to some computers and waits for a recording to finish, but is interrupted by a security team who recognize him. Surprisingly he raises his hands and asks to be arrested. I went into this story expecting shenanigans involving Harry Mudd that have been done by countless other writers in novels and comic books.
Mudd is a character that evolved into easy laughs with his last appearance in “I, Mudd,” but he was much more cunning in “Mudd’s Women.” This latter incarnation is the Mudd that John Byrne uses in this tale and he’s much more enjoyable. There are also two other major antagonists form other episodes in this story that increased the tension and sent the story spinning into unexpected and highly enjoyable areas: I was floored to see the first individual on Page 10 and the other on 24 had me yell out, “Yes!”
I admit to being very mixed to how the story’s title character ends up. It fits in absolutely perfectly with the story and leads to some fun closing dialogue, but the visual makes me wonder if this was pushing the humor too far. This is a minor speed bump for me, as I enjoyed every other part of this outing.
The second tale is a four pager introduced as Star Trek: Klingons.
There is a title stated but that would spoil what occurs. To discuss it as vaguely as possible, I loved this. It’s been mentioned as an aside in another series, but to see it occur was great. I was pleased as punch to have three familiar faces in this story. I loved the line, “Ah-hh…Now there is a most satisfying sound!” The conclusion is equally satisfying with the final eight words being a hilarious coda on the entire affair.
The first story was the perfect mix of fun and thrills featuring some surprise appearances, the second story finally shows an event that has serious overtones for a particular race, and the tease for next issue has me as giddy as a schoolboy in anticipation. This issue misses a plus grade because of the final page from the first story.
As with previous issues, this photoplay by John Byrne uses images from classic episodes, as well as those manipulated by the artist or those that are new. I’m always eager to get a new adventure of Kirk and company in this format because it’s like finding a lost issue.
My favorite shots of the captain include Page 2, panel two; Page 5, panel seven; Page 8, panel one; the contrast between panel three and five on 11; and panel four on Page 38. Also a highlight was the person in the final panel of Page 10; panels four and seven on 14; the first panel on 19; and the top of 32.
It’s also a delight to see the individual on Pages 24, 27, and 33 – 37. I just have to see that person smile and I’m grinning with him.
Also impressive are the created images by Byrne. I’d swear I can make out Kirk’s face through the window of that landing shuttle on Page 1, but I’d have to go High Anxiety on it to be sure. The communications department on 3 and 4, Dr. Hamilton’s office and the Sick Bay on 5, the setting and device on 13, the shadow work on 22, the bridge on 24, and more excellent shadow work in the sixth panel on 30 are all superior locations.
Bottom line:
Every Trek fan should have every issue of this series, including New Visions #4. With each new tale from the Original Series it’s impossible to resist getting caught up with the action and heart of that series. Always recommended.